IAB Report - India-friendly 5-door Mini enters production in the UK

BMW Group owned Mini started production of the 5-door 2014 Mini at its Oxfordshire plant in the United Kingdom yesterday. The 5-door Mini was revealed last month and will retail from 15,900 pounds (INR 16.35 lakhs) in the UK. In the European market, the 5-door Mini will rival the Audi A1.

Based on the same front-wheel drive UKL platform as the 3-door variant, the 5-door sees a wheelbase extension of 72 mm, which in turn increases rear legroom by 72 mm and boot space by 67 liters. Overall, the model is 161 mm longer and 11 mm taller compared to the standard Mini.

The 5-door Mini will be offered with four engine options - two each for petrol and diesel. The petrol range starts from a 1.5-liter three-cylinder motor making 136 hp, and extends to a 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 192 hp. The diesel engines include a 1.5-liter 116 hp three-cylinder motor and a 2.0-liter 170 hp four-cylinder engine. The gearbox choices include 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions.

BMW India's President, Mr. Philipp von Sahr, told Indian Autos Blog that the new generation Mini (3-door) will launch in the country by the end of this year. The company could follow up the launch, and expand its portfolio, with the 5-door Mini sometime next year.

Competitors: Mercedes A Class, BMW 1 Series, Audi A1

Expected Price: INR 25-35 lakhs